I most certainly thought I was on a trajectory for something big. I wanted that corner office. I wanted to lead a team. I wanted to make the fat, comfortable pay check.

And then kids happened.

And then a market downturn happened.

While I had relatively great job security and plenty of options in the corporate world, I found myself no longer happy. The drive to play the politics, rub elbows with the self-congratulatory managers, and the ability to absorb extra thankless work due to the downturn had dried up long ago - roughly about 3 months after my second child was born.

Mommyhood in Corporate America is a rough gig these days. While some companies are better than others, dare I say that it's damn near impossible to survive in the corporate world when your kids are young?

So here I am - sitting at home on a Tuesday creating a business I can run that is efficient, productive, and happy. And one that allows me to put my family first. Those are my very simple goals for my business in 2019.

Well, actually - I have S.M.A.R.T. goals all lined out for 2019 and will be openly sharing my metrics as I go. I want to exceed my 2018 corporate america salary in 2019 working only 3 days per week. Do you think that's realistic or a stretch goal?

Care follow along for the ride and see how I'm progressing? My monthly email updates will cover:

I think it's important to share this journey with others that are on the fence about striking out on their own. I've received a lot of questions and interest in how to go about leaving the safety of a full-time job and move into entrepreneurship. It's been an AMAZINGLY wonderful ride so far. I can't wait to see how 2019 goes. And I promise you that I will share as openly and honestly as I can. Make sure you are on the list! Sign up is below...

Earth Day is just around the corner (April 22nd), and in honor of this great spinning globe we live on, I'm celebrating a few local artisans and designers who do a little good for our world. Please show them some love because without us even thinking about it, they are doing good for all of us by improving our environment.

Luisa Fernanda NadarajahThis jewelry and fashion designer "upcycles" materials to use in her designs, and the result is stunning. Who would think to use seatbelts, speedometer pins, and lightbulbs to form some of the most beautiful pieces?

The Reclaimed Wood ShopThe Gaines (as in Joanna and Chip) have made shiplap walls a weekend home designer's dream project, and now you can find your reclaimed wood and reclaimed wood project inspo locally at The Reclaimed Wood Shop! Their furniture pieces are one-of-a-kind, or you can work with the staff to design your own unique piece. Or just take home so good ol' barnwood for your next Gaines' inspired project.

Hollywood Hippies CosmeticsThis one really touches my heart. As a former Child Advocate who was a voice for a child in the foster care system, I love any organization that places foster children at the center of what they do. Owner, Brandie Seifert, was a child of the foster care system. Brandie aged out of the system and built her business as a means to support herself. When her Hollywood clients began asking for greener, more natural products, she created "make-up with a mission" to provide healthy products that are fun and affordable. I could not love more how she uses her talents to support so many worthy causes!

Time to round up the family and head off to adventure / major nap times / sun and sand / whatever your family is up to this summer.

We are heading out to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, and couldn't be happier. Traveling with an 18 month old and a 4 year old isn't a walk in the park. In fact, there isn't much walking involved - it's almost always a sprint, except for that long 3 hour drive in the car.

To make my escape a little easier, I swear by a packing list that I continuously add to and modify to fit my family's needs. I HATE driving 30 minutes down the road only to realize that I have forgotten something critical, like socks, or my summer beach read, or Calum's favorite binky. No, no, no. That's a terrible way to start my few days of rest and relaxation (ha).

So if you are like me, here's some peace of mind. I've linked HERE my FREE downloadable family packing list. You can customize it to your own needs and keep adding to it for years to come! (Dad is not included because he takes like 3 minutes to pack himself - then I hand him the rest of the kids' list and he jumps in and helps out - sometimes).

1. Letting go of what’s out of our control. First and foremost - just let go of the mental junk. What is mental junk? The regrets, the fretting, the worry, the indecision. I have it. You have it. We know we hold on to it for no good reason. If the matter at hand is something within our control, take action. If it's not within our control, then we are just expending energy spinning our wheels for naught. Why waste your precious time dwelling on matters? The moment you catch yourself fretting or worrying, make a clear decision and move on.

Don't beat yourself up about it though. Just nicely acknowledge to yourself "oh, there it is again. That worry and fret for no good reason. But I can do something here." Look at nature. It goes with the flow. Water flows in the path of least resistance. Fish swim with the flow of the stream. They don't fight it (except salmon, don't be a salmon). There is a time and place to climb that mountain and fight the tough fight but be extremely selective about your mountains because they take almost all of your mental bandwidth if you are doing it right. Assess your options, acknowledge your anxiety / stress level, ACT, and do not allow it to fill up your mental real estate any further.

Ask yourself these 3 questions:1) Can I impact the outcome of the situation? No? Then as Elsa screamed from the icy mountaintop, LET IT GOOOOOO. Yes? Move on to step 2.2) Can my actions significantly influence the situation to a favorable outcome for me? No? Go the way of Elsa again. Yes? Move on to step 3.3) Will the amount of energy invested to reach a favorable outcome be worth it? No? Again, Elsa it. Yes? Get after it!

Spring lures us to our warm windows, and then when we step outside and realize it's still CHILLY!

This is where those cozy cardigans, transition sweaters, and a few lightweight scarves will see us through! And we can easily strip those bad boys off or roll up our sleeves when the mid-afternoon heat is too much.

Here are my favorites, and the price is right! All are under $50 and linked below!

​Moms, throw open your windows -- the spring season is almost upon us! It is high time you air out, dust off, and prep yourself, your family, and your home for the new season.

All week I will be posting spring cleaning challenges to get you into spring fever mode!Let's get started with the kitchen and pantry. Shall we?

7 Tips to Prepare Your Kitchen and Pantry for Spring

For me, spring cleaning is cathartic. I love to weed through the closets, declutter thoroughly, and ensure that everything is spic and span. But, the kitchen is where I like to bring my A-game.I must admit, however, that spring cleaning is no picnic. That’s why I have rounded up 7 best tips on how to prepare your kitchen for the warmer months ahead.

1. Start Off with the CupboardsI don’t know about you, but I always find my cupboards overflowing with ‘clutter’ at the end of winter season. By clutter, I mean those odd glasses, to-go cups with missing lids, kid’s token cups from birthday parties

It's the time of year when the kids have settled back into their routine after the holidays, and we, moms, are trying to get ahead. We are planning spring break, summer vacations, spring decluttering projects....but have you missed planning a little V-Day love for your child's teacher?

Who needs love more than mom? Those lovely men and women who take our kids off our hands for 8+ hours a day and actually get them to stand in single file lines and sit in their chairs for more than 5 minutes! These people are angels walking on Earth.

Here's a last minute and SIMPLE idea to spoil teachers just a bit this Valentine's.

Simple & Easy Valentine's Gift for Teacher

What you need:
1. Valentine's themed baking spatula from Dollar Store or Hobby Lobby or similar
2. Red and white twine
3. This recipe printable

Assembly ideas - You can roll up the recipe card and secure it to the spatula like I did below. You could also punch a hole in the recipe card and tie it to the spatula. Add teacher name cards or more frilly ribbons - have as much fun as time will allow!